In Leviticus 11:44, God tells us that we must be holy for he is holy. God wants us to come up to where he is.

In Luke 18:10-14, a Pharisee stands in the temple ‘bragging’ to God about how great he is. He goes on and on about his good deeds and then says, "I sure am glad I am not like that tax collector over there in the corner."

The tax collector looks down and asks for God’s mercy. He knew he was unworthy.

Jesus asks, “Who did God hear and justify?”

The answer was the tax collector.

Salvation takes place when someone comes to Christ, admits his unrighteousness, helplessness and unworthiness, and turns to Christ as his or her only hope for forgiveness and a place in Heaven.